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Next ‘Fest: June 1-2, 2024 | Crowne Plaza Louisville Hotel

WonderFest 2024, June 1 & 2

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PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

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Tickets

Sold at the door only.
Adults: $36 for 1-day, $50 for 2-days.
Ages 4 to 12: $13 for 1-day, $20 for 2-days
Age 3 and under free.
Ticket booth hours…

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Hotel & Restaurant

Special WonderFest room rate at the Crowne: $142 per night! It’s convenient to stay in our show hotel with an award-winning restaurant
Reserve a room online…

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Louisville Attractions

Bring your family and take extra time to visit exciting tourism sites in and around Louisville. Go exploring the Bourbon Trails and more.
Fun in Louisville…

MEET THE 2024 GUESTS

Guests will sign autographs at their table or at posted times!

VANESSA HARRYHAUSEN

VANESSA HARRYHAUSEN

Daughter of Ray Harryhausen: Author, illustrator and Trustee of the Ray & Diana Harryhausen Foundation

CONNOR HEANEY

CONNOR HEANEY

Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation’s Collections Manager

BELINDA BALASKI

BELINDA BALASKI

Artist, writer & actress: Piranha, The Howling, Gremlins 1 & 2, Matinee, Food of the Gods

GREG NICOTERO

GREG NICOTERO

Director, Producer, Makeup: Creepshow, Walking Dead, Evil Dead

FON DAVIS

FON DAVIS

Production designer, modelmaker: Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline

ROB WIETHOFF

ROB WIETHOFF

Voice actor, producer: Red Dead Redemption 1 & 2

CHERYL SPARKS

CHERYL SPARKS

Huey drone performer in Silent Running

NICK TATE

NICK TATE

Actor: SPACE: 1999, Lost, Pretty Little Liars, The Devil's Playground, The Blacklist

JOHN EBLAN

JOHN EBLAN

Designer, engineer, modelmaker, Star Wars, Star Trek, Indiana Jones

ROGER CHRISTIAN

ROGER CHRISTIAN

Set decorator, production designer and feature film director; Star Wars, Alien, Final Cut, Nostradamus, Underworld

JEFFREY MORRIS

JEFFREY MORRIS

Writer, director, designer; The Eagle Obsession

JOHN GOODWIN

JOHN GOODWIN

Makeup Artist: Men in Black, John Carpenter's The Thing, Tales of Frankenstein

DANIEL ROEBUCK

DANIEL ROEBUCK

Actor, voice actor, filmmaker; The Fugitive, Star Trek TNG, The Munsters, Jedi Fallen Order

MICHAEL POSSERT JR.

MICHAEL POSSERT JR.

Stop-Motion Fabricator, Special Effects Modelmaker

FRANK DIETZ

FRANK DIETZ

Actor, Writer, Animator, Producer, Director: Creepshow, I Hate Kids, Black Roses, Zombie Nightmare

JOHN EAVES

JOHN EAVES

Production Illustrator, Star Trek Picard, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and 3, WandaVision, Loki

DAREN DOCHTERMAN

DAREN DOCHTERMAN

Concept Artist, Visual Effects, Art Direction

RICK STERNBACH

RICK STERNBACH

Designer, Star Trek TMP, Voyager, DS9, Last Starfighter

SAM IRVIN

SAM IRVIN

Director: Elvira's Haunted Hills; Author: The Epic Saga Behind 'Frankenstein: The True Story'

WILLIAM STOUT

WILLIAM STOUT

Paleo Artist & Production Design, Return of the Living Dead

Stella-sm

THE AMAZING MODEL CONTEST

Greatest in the World for Imaginative Modelers!

The WonderFest “Amazing” Model Contest is focused on all types of science-fiction, horror and comics models. It’s the biggest contest of its type in America, and it’s fun to look at even if you don’t build models yourself!

The contest is sponsored by Amazing Figure Modeler magazine, which is providing a special $300 award for the Most Amazing Figure!

Entry Hours:  Saturday, June 1st, from 8 a.m. ’til Noon

  • $15.00 per first 2 models for adults, up to 8 additional entries free
  • $10.00 per first 2 models for teens, up to 8 add’l entries free (ages 13-19)
  • Free for ages 12 & under

With over 1,049 entries in 2023, it filled an entire ballroom and featured some of the best modeling we’ve ever seen.

MUST-SEE PROGRAMMING

Click an icon to learn more.

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How-To Demos

All weekend! Learn techniques from other great modelers! Demos last from 30 minutes to an hour. Become a better modeler!
More info…

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Iron Modeler

Teams are given a “base model,” a big pile of parts, and 4 hours to build the craziest model with only what they’ve got. Best model & presentation wins!
More info…

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The Rondo Awards

4pm Saturday! Fandom’s only classic horror awards—decided by fans. Recognize the best in print, film, web, art, media, toys and models!
More info…

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Sunday Wrap Party

Sunday night at 7:30 celebrate the end of the show with exclusive programming! Optional a la carte food and cash bar.
More info…

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WHAT IS WONDERFEST?

A weekend of wonder in Louisville!

WonderFest is a weekend of hobby escape that’s held every Summer in Louisville, Kentucky USA!

Now in its 34th year, WonderFest features movie special effects guests, the largest model contest in the U.S. for sci-fi, horror & comics-related subjects, model and toy dealers galore, and seminars to entertain and improve hobbyists of all ages!

It’s always held at our mothership, the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel, 830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

They help make this event possible!

AFM logo
CultTVman logo
Round 2 logo
Black Heart logo
Starship Modeler logo
Monarch Models logo
FineScale Modeler logo
Iwata logo
Badger Airbrush logo
Squadron logo
Star Ace Toys logo
Aztec Dummy Productions logo
Jimmy Flintstone Studio
ParaGraphix logo
Nic & Norman's logo

WONDERFEST LATEST NEWS

From our Facebook feed...

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Just in from Stephen Burns: 20% discount!Take advantage of the Mother's Day 20% off discount that ends this Friday May 18th for. Use Discount Code "MOTHERSDAY2024" for my full day class "Design Futuristic Models: 3D Modeling for 3D Printing Innovation!". If you can't be there in person then join us live by way of Zoom. Class will be recorded and the recording is free for all students.

Register Now! futuristicmodel.eventbrite.com

WonderFest USA WonderFest Fan Club Sci-Fi Illustration Resolute Sci-Fi Illustration Resolute The vault of retro sci-fi Spaceships (and Other Sci-Fi Vessels) Are Cool Star Trek-Star Wars / All Sci-Fi : Everything, Everywhere, All At Once. Sci-Fi & Fantasy Miniatures Modelers Sci Fi Models & Accessories Offered Wanted & Swaps KosyMo Sci Fi Modellbau Blender 3D Lightwave to Blender Support Group Blender Hangout Blender3D User Group Blender beginners Blender 3D Blender Help for Absolute Beginners (BHfAB) Blender 3D Cars and Vehicles Blender 3D Cars and Vehicles Blender 3D Blender 3D Artists Lightwave to Blender Support Group @lightw
... See MoreSee Less

Just in from Stephen Burns: 20% discount!

On Saturday June 1st, the WonderFest 2024 "MAKE & TAKE" will offer kids ages 16 and under a few hours of model-building fun. Kids will be able to choose from an assortment of easy-to-assemble and fun-to-paint model kits that all will enjoy.

We'll offer two sessions on Saturday June 1st: from 11am to 1pm and then from 2pm to 4pm.

MAKE & TAKE sponsors Black Heart, Round 2, and Kaiju Modeler are providing models and supplies--plus our volunteers will help teach new builders how to glue or paint.

Black Heart is providing a limited number of two new busts sculpted by Michael Berglund. Both are very detailed, about 4 inches tall with the base and 3D printed by two of the best 3D printers in the business. Grogu (“Baby Yoda”) was 3D printed by Ed Bradley and Creature Crafters. Gizmo (the cute Mogwai from GREMLINS) was 3D printed by Todd Powell and Escape Hatch Hobbies.

Round 2 is providing sci-fi snap-together plastic kits as well, and Kaiju Modeler is handling supplies.

We look forward to seeing you at the show.

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#wonderfest2023 #wonderfesthobbyexpo #blackheart #Round2Models #kaijumodeler
... See MoreSee Less

On Saturday June 1st, the WonderFest 2024 MAKE & TAKE will offer kids ages 16 and under a few hours of model-building fun. Kids will be able to choose from an assortment of easy-to-assemble and fun-to-paint model kits that all will enjoy. 

Well offer two sessions on Saturday June 1st: from 11am to 1pm and then from 2pm to 4pm. 

MAKE & TAKE sponsors Black Heart, Round 2, and Kaiju Modeler are providing models and supplies--plus our volunteers will help teach new builders how to glue or paint.

Black Heart is providing a limited number of two new busts sculpted by Michael Berglund. Both are very detailed, about 4 inches tall with the base and 3D printed by two of the best 3D printers in the business. Grogu (“Baby Yoda”) was 3D printed by Ed Bradley and Creature Crafters. Gizmo (the cute Mogwai from GREMLINS) was 3D printed by Todd Powell and Escape Hatch Hobbies. 

Round 2 is providing sci-fi snap-together plastic kits as well, and Kaiju Modeler is handling supplies.

We look forward to seeing you at the show.

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#wonderfest2023 #wonderfesthobbyexpo #blackheart #Round2Models #kaijumodeler

ANNOUNCING A NEW BOOK--AND GUEST!

MICHAEL POSSERT is premiering a new book at WonderFest: The Rocket Factory - The Making of the Rocketeer's Helmet and Rocket Pack. You'll be able to order from his Facebook page or website (michaelpossert.com), and he bringing a limited number of books, hard and soft cover, to sell and sign. Plus an exclusive round gold sticker with a commemorative design for the WonderFest launch of the book ONLY!

Don't miss Michael's in-person presentation at 1pm Saturday, June 1st at WonderFest!

ABOUT THE BOOK: In 1990, Disney filmed The Rocketeer, a movie from the comic book of the same name by Dave Stevens. A small crew from a modest company was tapped to make the Rocketeer's helmet and rocket pack on a very short deadline. The journey of those props, going from comic book design to the big screen, has never been explored. With over 300 photos and images, The Rocket Factory: The Making of The Rocketeer's Helmet and Rocket Pack explains all the numerous iterations, tests and prototypes that went into the making of the iconic helmet and rocket pack.

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#therocketfactory #rocketeer #handmade
... See MoreSee Less

ANNOUNCING A NEW BOOK--AND GUEST!

MICHAEL POSSERT is premiering a new book at WonderFest: The Rocket Factory - The Making of the Rocketeers Helmet and Rocket Pack. Youll be able to order from his Facebook page or website (michaelpossert.com), and he bringing a limited number of books, hard and soft cover, to sell and sign. Plus an exclusive round gold sticker with a commemorative design for the WonderFest launch of the book ONLY! 

Dont miss Michaels in-person presentation at 1pm Saturday, June 1st at WonderFest!

ABOUT THE BOOK: In 1990, Disney filmed The Rocketeer, a movie from the comic book of the same name by Dave Stevens.  A small crew from a modest company was tapped to make the Rocketeers helmet and rocket pack on a very short deadline.  The journey of those props, going from comic book design to the big screen, has never been explored.  With over 300 photos and images, The Rocket Factory: The Making of The Rocketeers Helmet and Rocket Pack explains all the numerous iterations, tests and prototypes that went into the making of the iconic helmet and rocket pack.

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#therocketfactory #rocketeer #handmade

6 CommentsComment on Facebook

Very cool! Finheads assemble!

Robert Stapels Jr.

Vic Sage

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Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the WonderFest Wrap Party… It’s JAWS in 30 Minutes or less!

The crew that brought you Scripts Gone Wild are bringing a briny new take on a classic we all love. Join us as we poke the shark with a cast of WonderFest crew and special guests!

Choose to eat at the event ala carte, visit the cash bar, or just come for the fun! Food and drink sold separately.

WonderFest Sunday evening, June 2nd, at 7:30pm.
Tickets are just $9 per person, sold at Admissions and at the door.

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#wonderfest2024 #wonderfesthobbyexpo
... See MoreSee Less

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the WonderFest Wrap Party… It’s JAWS in 30 Minutes or less! 

The crew that brought you Scripts Gone Wild are bringing a briny new take on a classic we all love. Join us as we poke the shark with a cast of WonderFest crew and special guests!

Choose to eat at the event ala carte, visit the cash bar, or just come for the fun! Food and drink sold separately.

WonderFest Sunday evening, June 2nd, at 7:30pm.
Tickets are just $9 per person, sold at Admissions and at the door. 

Find show details at: www.wonderfest.com
#wonderfest2024 #wonderfesthobbyexpo

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

Sounds like I should bring a 12-pack of Narragansett this year!

SEATS ARE STILL OPEN FOR THIS FRIDAY WORKSHOP!
Design Futuristic Models: 3D Modeling for 3D Printing Innovation!
Friday, May 31 | 8am-6pm | Instructor: Stephen Burns

New to 3D? This class is perfect for you. Take a deep dive in learning how to build in Blender specifically for 3D printing. Blender 3D is an open source 3D software package that allows you to build, texture, animate, create effects and 3D print. And it is amazing!! This class will focus on getting to know Blender 3D as a software and how to build, texture and render your 3D visions.
3D Printers have come down in price tremendously. Class will address two types: Resin printers (SLA) and filament printers (FDM). Printing Software to be used and discussed will be Chitubox, Lychee and Cura.

Cost for the class is $275 per person. Prerequisites: Bring your own laptop, install Blender 3D (it’s free!), and have a mouse that has a scroll wheel for the middle button.

For more info and to register:
futuristicmodel.eventbrite.com
... See MoreSee Less

SEATS ARE STILL OPEN FOR THIS FRIDAY WORKSHOP!
Design Futuristic Models: 3D Modeling for 3D Printing Innovation!
Friday, May 31 | 8am-6pm | Instructor: Stephen Burns

New to 3D? This class is perfect for you. Take a deep dive in learning how to build in Blender specifically for 3D printing. Blender 3D is an open source 3D software package that allows you to build, texture, animate, create effects and 3D print. And it is amazing!! This class will focus on getting to know Blender 3D as a software and how to build, texture and render your 3D visions.
3D Printers have come down in price tremendously. Class will address two types: Resin printers (SLA) and filament printers (FDM). Printing Software to be used and discussed will be Chitubox, Lychee and Cura.

Cost for the class is $275 per person. Prerequisites: Bring your own laptop, install Blender 3D (it’s free!), and have a mouse that has a scroll wheel for the middle button.

For more info and to register:
https://futuristicmodel.eventbrite.com
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GOT QUESTIONS? CONTACT US!